Post navigation

Top 10 Things I Will Miss About New Orleans

10. Festivals – It’s not a secret that New Orleans and all of South Louisiana know how to party. Each month brings a different festival that celebrates anything from strawberries to jazz music and everything in between.

9. History – A part from Boston and Philadelphia there is no other city that has such a rich and varied history. It is quite literally everywhere you look.

8. The Beach – There’s a beach in New Orleans? No, but there are some great beaches not too far away. It was a regular activity for us to go spend the day in Bay St. Louis, grab a hot dog, and hang out at the beach for the day. It’s not Seal Beach, Malibu, or even Pensacola but for us it was perfect.

7. Mardi Gras – If you are, or have ever been, a drunk tourist during Mardi Gras, you missed out on how great Mardi Gras really is. I will miss gathering with friends on the neutral ground laughing, screaming, catching throws, and eating copious amounts of food. But..I got my shoe from Muses, so I guess I can move on.

6. Sno-Balls – They are not shaved ice…they are so much better than that. Soft sno completely drowned in your particular favorite flavor mixing to make the perfect warm weather treat. My favorite will forever be Satsuma with marshmallow cream from Hansen’s. I will miss these glorious things so much that I’m trying to figure out a way to open up a Sno-Ball stand in Nashville.

5. Christmastime – Christmastime is one of the best times in New Orleans. From free concerts at the cathedral, to Celebration in the Oaks, to the bonfires at the levee – Christmas New Orleans style embodies what is great and unique about this city. As an added sentiment, Leanne and I began dating at Christmas time.

4. Food – I will not be the first nor the last to proclaim the culinary awesomeness that exists in this city. Keep a look out for my upcoming favorite New Orleans restaurant post that will be coming soon.

3. People – Not just the friends we have made but the fourth and fifth generation cajun, creoles, and New Orleanians as well. Always ready with a good story, a funny anecdote, or a family recipe these resourceful inviting people have made this place home for me.

2. City Park – It might seem strange to be emotionally invested in a park, but I really am. Not one week went by without me spending at least a few hours at this place. It was here that I shed off close to 90 pounds as I ran the old golf cart trails or the path around the Big Lake. It was here that we could go have a picnic. It was here that I would go and think and/or pray. I am sad that I will not see the master plan come to fruition but City Park will always be my park.

and last but not least…

1. My church family – Journey Christian Church, Hope Christian Church, and my friends in house church are filled with people that I simply can not say enough about. I will forever be grateful for the friendships, encouragement, patience, grace, and partnerships that were experienced with so many beautiful people. I will miss you most of all.